Method of treating inflammation

ABSTRACT

Inflammation, acute and/or chronic, is treated with a CIF (TGF-β). The CIF may be administered locally or systemically, depending upon the indication, and does not require coadministration or activator or cofactor for efficacy.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 836,672 filed Mar. 6, 1986, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,806,523, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 763,337, filed Aug. 6, 1985, now abandoned.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention is in the field of anti-inflammatory compounds. More particularly it relates to using polypeptides called cartilage-inducing factors (CIFs) and functionally related polypeptides as factors for inhibiting inflammatory processes involving lymphohistiocytic inflammation, granulomatous inflammation, and acute inflammation.

BACKGROUND

Commonly owned copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 630,938, filed July 16, 1984, now abandoned, describes two bovine bone-derived CIFs, designated CIF-A and CIF B. Both have molecular weights of approximately 26,000 daltons by SDS-PAGE and are dimers. They each exhibit in vitro chondrogenic activity by themselves, as measured by cartilage specific proteoglycan (PG) production in an agarose gel culture model using fetal rat mesenchymal cells. Neither, however, is chondrogenically active in vivo by itself. Amino acid sequencing of the CIF-A showed that it has a partial (30 amino acids) N-terminal sequence identical to that reported for a human placenta-derived polypeptide called beta-type transforming growth factor (TGF-β). The partial N-terminal sequence of CIF-B is different from that of TGF-β. Both CIFs exhibit activity in the TGF-β assay (ability to induce anchorage-independent growth of normal rat kidney cell colonies in soft agar).

TGF-β derived from bovine kidney, human placenta, and human platelets is described in International Patent Application PCT/US83/01460, published Mar. 29, 1984 under no. W084/01106, EPA 84450016.5, published Dec. 19, 1984 under no. 0128849, and U.S. Patent Applications Ser. Nos. 500,832, 500,833, and 500,927, filed June 3, 1983, all now abandoned. These applications present data showing that such TGF-β, when combined with EGF or TGF-α, (1) promotes cell proliferation in the above mentioned soft agar culture assay and (2) promotes cell proliferation and protein deposition in a rat soft tissue wound healing model. The applications characterize the TGF-βs as being dimers having a molecular weight of approximately 26,000 daltons by SDS-PAGE.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is based on the finding that the two bone-derived CIFs described above exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. Evaluations of implants containing CIF indicate that CIF is active both locally and systemically for inhibiting acute and/or chronic inflammation. Based on the similarity (or perhaps identity in the case of CIF-A) of these polypeptides to TGF-βs, it is believed that TGF-βs also have these newly discovered activities. These activities appear to be independent of the presence of activating agents or cofactors and are distinct from the in vitro chondrogenic activity and cell proliferation activity reported previously. For convenience, the term CIF is used in this section and the claims as a generic term to encompass CIF-A, CIF-B, the TGF-βs and functional equivalents thereof.

A subsequent finding that CIF is localized at sites of hematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis suggests that CIF may also be efficacious in treating dysfunction or malfunction of red blood cell and/or lymphocyte development.

Accordingly the invention provides several new therapeutic methods.

A principal aspect of the invention is a method of treating inflammation in a patient comprising administering an anti-inflammatorily effective amount of a CIF to the patient. Both acute and chronic forms of inflammation may be so treated. Further the treatment may be systemic or CIF may be administered locally to treat predetermined sites of inflammation.

Another aspect of the invention is a method of treating a patient for an indication associated with dysfunction or malfunction of hematopoiesis or lymphopoiesis comprising administering an effective amount of a CIF to the patient.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is the amino acid sequence of platelet-derived human TGF-β monomer.

FIG. 2 is a graph of the optical densities (absorbances) (280 nm) of the gel filtration fractions of the example 1 ( C);

FIG. 3 is a graph of the optical densities (280 nm) of eluate fractions from the preparative ion exchange chromatography of the example 1 ( D); and

FIG. 4 is a graph of the results of the T cell proliferation assays described in Example 4 (10 B).

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

As used herein the term "inflammation" is intended to encompass both acute responses (i.e., a response in which the inflammatory processes are active) and chronic responses (i.e., a response marked by slow progress and formation of new connective tissue). Chronic and acute inflammation may be distinguished by the cell types involved. Acute inflammation often involves polymorphonuclear neutrophils; whereas chronic inflammation is normally characterized by a lymphohistiocytic and/or granulomatous response. Examples of specific types of inflammation are diffuse inflammation, focal inflammation, croupous inflammation, interstitial inflammation, obliterative inflammation, parenchymatous inflammation, reactive inflammation, specific inflammation, toxic inflammation, and traumatic inflammation.

As used herein the term "treat" is intended to mean prophylaxis or attenuation of an existing condition. Accordingly, in the case of inflammation, the invention method may be used to prevent inflammation or alleviate existing inflammation.

The term "functional equivalent" as used to describe a polypeptide is intended to mean polypeptides, whether native or synthetic and regardless of species or derivation, that have the same amino acid sequence as the referenced polypeptide, and polypeptides of substantially homologous (i.e. at least 90% identity in amino acid sequence) but different amino acid sequence, which difference(s) does not affect inflammatory activity adversely.

CIF-A, CIF-B and TGF-βs exhibit activity in the TGF-β assay described in Methods for Preparation of Media, Supplements, and Substrate for Serum-Free Animal Cell Culture (1984) PP 181-194, Alan R. Liss. Inc. That assay determines ability to induce anchorage-independent growth in non-neoplastic normal rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts by measuring the formation of cell colonies in soft agar, procedures for obtaining TGF-βs from platelets, placenta and kidney tissues are described in International patent publication W084/01106 and EPA publication no. 0128849. Briefly, they involve extracting the source material with acid-ethanol, sizing the extract by gel filtration, and isolating the TGF-β from the filtrate by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

A procedure for isolating CIFs from bovine bone is described in commonly owned, copending U.S. application Ser. No. 630,938, filed July 16, 1984. It involves extracting demineralized bone (OMB) with an extractant (e.g., ≧4M guanidine hydrochloride, 8M urea) that solubilizes nonfibrous proteins, gel filtering the extract to obtain a < 30 Kd fraction, chromatographing the fraction on carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) at pH 4.5-5.5, preferably 4.8, eluting the CMC-adsorbed fraction with an NaCl gradient, and purifying the proteins from the portion eluting at about 150-250 mM NaCl by RP-HPLC or gel electrophoresis.

CIF-A, CIF-B, and the TGF-βs isolated to date from natural sources are polypeptide dimers of approximately 25 to 26 Kd molecular weight as determined by SDS-PAGE. Nature (1985) 316:701-705 reports a cDNA nucleotide sequence and deduced amino acid sequence for platelet-derived human TGF-β. Mature platelet-derived human TGF-β is characterized as a homodimer of a 112 amino acid-long monomer.

Platelet/placenta/kidney-derived TGF-β and CIF-A and CIF-B are non-sPecies sPecific as regards TGF-β activity. It is believed, therefore, that these polypeptides have been highly conserved among animal species (i.e., a given polypeptide from different mammalian species has an amino acid sequence that varies, if at all, in one or more amino acid residue additives, deletions, or substitutions that do not affect the non-species specific activity of the molecule adversely) and have cross-species functionality. Accordingly, CIF-A, CIF-B, and the TGF-βs may be derived from cells or tissue of diverse animal origin or may be obtained by recombinant DNA technology. Correlatively, CIF (TGF-β) from one vertebrate species may be used to treat another vertebrate species. The most common usage of CIF (TGF-β) as an anti-inflammatory agent will be in the treatment of humans, domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs, and sports or pet animals such as dogs, cats, and horses. CIF A and CIF-B are preferred for use in the invention method.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are intended to illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. They are not intended to limit the invention in any manner.

1. Preparation of CIFs from Bone A. Preparation of Demineralized Bone

Bovine metatarsal bone was obtained fresh from the slaughterhouse and transported on dry ice. The bones were cleaned of marrow and non-bone tissues, broken in fragments smaller than 1 cm diameter, and pulverized in a mill at 4° C. The pulverized bone was washed twice with 9.4 liters of double distilled water per kg of bone for about 15 min each, and then washed overnight in 0.01 N HCl at 4° C. Washed bone was defatted using 3×3 volumes ethanol, followed by 3×3 volumes diethylether, each washed for 20 min. and all at room temperature. The resulting defatted bone powder was then demineralized in 0.5 N HCl (25 1/kg defatted bone) at 4° C. The acid was decanted and the resulting DMB washed until the wash pH was greater than 4, and the DMB dried on a suction filter.

B. Extraction of Noncollagenous Proteins

The DMB as prepared in A was extracted with 3.3 1 of 4 M guanidine-HCl, 10 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), pH 6.8, 1 mM PMSF, 10 mM NEM per kg for 16 hr. the suspension suction filtered and the non-soluble material extracted again for 4 hr. The soluble fractions were combined and concentrated at least 5-fold by ultrafiltration using an Amicon ultrafiltration (10K) unit, and the concentrate dialyzed against 6 changes of 35 volumes cold deionized water over a period of 4 days, and then lyophilized. All of the procedures of this paragraph were conducted at 4° C except the lyophilization which was conducted under standard lyophilization conditions.

C. Gel Filtration

The extract from B, redissolved in 4 M guanidine-HCl, was fractionated on a Sephacryl S-200 column equilibrated in 4 M guanidine-HCl, 0.02% sodium azide, 10 mM EDTA, pH 6.8. Fractions were assayed by their absorbance at 280 nm and the fractions were combined as shown in FIG. 1. Fraction F2 of FIG. 1, constituting a low molecular weight (LMW, 10,000-30,000 daltons) protein fraction was dialyzed against 6 changes of 180 volumes of deionized water and lyophilized. All operations except lyophilization and dialysis (4° C.) were conducted at room temperature.

D. Ion Exchange Chromatography

Fraction F2 from C was dissolved in 6 M urea 10 mM NaCl, 1 mM NEM, 50 mM sodium acetate, pH 4.8 and centrifuged at 10,000 rpm for 5 min. The supernatant was fractionated on a CM52 (a commercially available CMC) column equilibrated in the same buffer. Bound proteins were eluted from the column using a 10 mM to 400 mM NaCl gradient in the same buffer, and a total volume of 350 ml at a flow rate of 27 ml/hr. Three major fractions, designated CM-1, CM-2 and CM-3, were collected as shown in FIG. 2. CM-2 and CM-3 eluted at approximately 150-250 mM NaCl. Each fraction was dialyzed against 6 changes of 110 volumes of deionized water for 4 days and lyophilized. All of the foregoing operations were conducted at room temperature except dialysis (4° C.).

E. RP-HPLC

The combined lyophilized fractions CM-2 and CM-3 from D were each dissolved in 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and aliquots of the solutions loaded onto a Vydac C18 RP-HPLC columns (4.6 mm lD×25 cm) and washed with 0.1% TFA for 5 min at 1 ml/min. The eluting solvent was a 0-60% acetonitrile gradient in 0.1% TFA at a rate of 2%/min.

Two peaks were obtained from the RP-HPLC of combined CM-2 and CM-3--peak A at about 29.5 min and peak B at about 31.2 min. The proteins of these peaks are the subject of said U.S. patent application Ser. No. 630,938. They are designated CIF-A and CIF-B, respectively.

The proteins were stored in 0.1% TFA/acetonitrile eluting solution at -20° C. until used.

F. Characterization of CIF-A and CIF-B

Table 1 below gives the partial amino acid compositions of CIF-A and CIF-B.

                  TABLE 1     ______________________________________                Amt (mols/100 mols recovered)     Amino Acid   CIF-A       CIF-B     ______________________________________     Asp          9.2         12.0     Glu          9.2         8.5     Ser          7.0         10.6     His          2.7         0.9     Gly          16.5        22.0     Thr          2.7         0.0     Arg          5.9         4.3     Ala          6.6         6.7     Tyr          3.2         1.9     Met          0.0         0.0     Val          7.5         2.4     Phe          3.0         3.0     Ile          3.9         2.2     Leu          8.6         8.2     Lys          13.9        17.3     Pro          ND          ND     Cys          ND          ND     Trp          ND          ND     ______________________________________

SCS-PAGE analysis of CIF-A and CIF-B indicate that both have a molecular weight of approximately 26,000 daltons. Both proteins exhibited activity in the TGF-β assay referred to above comparable to that reported for TGF-βs derived from human platelets, human placenta, or bovine kidney.

N-terminal amino acid sequencing of the first 30 amino acids of CIF-A and CIF-B was carried out and found to be as follows: ##STR1## The N-terminal amino acid sequence of CIF-A is identical to that reported for platelet-derived human TGF-β (see Nature, infra).

2. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of CIFs A. Formulation of CIF-A/CIF-B-Containing Implants

A collagenous carrier was prepared by mixing collagen in solution (CIS, 1-3mg protein/ml; sold by Collagen Corporation under the trademark VITROGEN 100®) with bone collagen powder (BCP, lyophilized solids from bone collagen) to give a minimal final concentration of 10% collagen from CIS. A 2:1 weight ratio mixture of CIF A and CIF-B (in 0.1% TFA) was added to carrier in weight ratios of 1:1200, 1:4500, 1:6000, 1:8000, and 1:20000. The formulations were stirred for 1-2 hr at 4° C. and either directly lyophilized or dialyzed against water and lyophilized. Carrier alone was used as a comparative control.

B. Histological Evaluation of Implant Formulations of A 1. Implantation

The lyophilized formulations were rehydrated with two parts by weight of cold sterile water and mixed to form a homogeneous paste. The rehydrated material was formed into compact pellets (80-100 mg wet weight). The pellets were implanted subcutaneously in the ventral thoracic region of young male rats. Each rat received bilateral implants. The explants were recovered at 3, 10, and 14 days post implantation and evaluated histologically.

2. Histological Evaluation

Explants were fixed in 10% neutral formalin and paraffin embedded by routine methods. Sections were subsequently stained with either hematoxylin-eosin or with Gomori trichome.

3. Results

The results of the histological evaluations are summarized below.

3-Days Post Implantation 1. Carrier alone.

At three days post implantation, the implant was, for the most part, acellular. Sparse neutrophils were the most apparent cell type.

2. CIF-Carrier.

The implant was also relatively acellular at three days. However, there was an apparent activation of fibroblasts from adjacent muscle and the surrounding subcutaneous tissues. These fibroblasts contained abundant cytoplasm and were, for the most part, euchromatic suggesting the cells were highly activated. Fibroblast infiltration was beginning at the margins of the implant.

10-Days Post Implantation 1. Carrier alone.

The inflammatory profile was markedly changed by 10 days following implantation. The implant contained a diffuse mixed inflammatory cell infiltrate dominated by lymphocytes and histiocytes. Focal areas of granulocytes (neutrophils and eosinophils) and giant cells were evident around some of the bone collagen particles.

2. CIF-Carrier

There were few inflammatory cells associated with the implant at this time point. Numerous hyperplastic fibroblasts were present throughout the implant. A collagenous connective tissue matrix was evident around and surrounding the bone collagen powder particles.

14-Days Post Implantation 1. Carrier alone

By 14-days post implantation, most bone collagen particles were sequestered by granulomas consisting of lymphocytes, histiocytes and giant cells. Implant-associated fibrosis was evident as well as multifocal areas of eosinophils.

2 CIF-Carrier.

Implant-associated inflammation was negligible compared with the control implants. A dense collagenous connective tissue matrix was evident throughout the implant. Morphologically, the fibroblasts appeared to be metabolically less active than at earlier time points.

These histological observations demonstrate that CIF inhibits inflammatory cell function in vivo. The lack of polymorphonuclear neutrophils, lymphocytes, and histiocytes at the CIF-containing implant sites suggests that CIF may function as a potent anti-inflammatory agent.

In the implants having CIF to carrier weight ratios of 1:8000 and 1:20000 there was a marked reduction in implant-associated inflammation compared with carrier alone implants. The implants containing higher CIF to carrier weight ratios developed a dense collagenous connective tissue matrix throughout the implant. At all CIF levels, implant-associated inflammation was negligible compared to no CIF.

In similar in vivo studies in which the rats received bilateral implants with and without CIF-containing extracts, it was noted that inflammation was reduced or absent in the implant remote from the CIF-containing implant. These observations indicate that CIF acts systemically as well as locally.

When used as a local anti-inflammatory agent the CIF (and/or TGF-β) will usually be formulated in effective amounts with pharmaceutically acceptable carriers in weight ratios to carrier in the range of 1:1000 to 1:20000. If tissue deposition at the site is not desired, the level of CIF to carrier may be lowered to below that (e.g., at weight ratios below about 1:6000 in the case of collagen carrier) which promotes tissue deposition. In addition to being formulated as an injectable, the CIF may be incorporated (dispersed) into solid permeable implants such as collagenous soft and hard tissue implants, prostheses, sponges wound dressings and sutures to modulate local inflammatory responses to such solid bodies. Since such implants are made from permeable materials the CIF can diffuse from the implant and exert its anti-inflammatory properties. If it is desired to minimize other activities of CIF (cell proliferation, tissue deposition) the CIF will be incorporated free of activating agents or cofactor, preferably at levels below that which promote tissue deposition.

When used to treat inflammation at internal body sites locally, the CIF- or TGF-β-containing formulation is injected, inhaled, placed surgically, or otherwise administered locally, depending on the particular formulation, and the site where inflammation control is desired.

For systemic administration CIF may be formulated with conventional carriers used with water-soluble proteins for injection into circulation. Alternatively, it may be formulated as a sustained release implant formulation if the indication being treated requires.

The amount of CIF (TGF-B) administered to treat inflammation will depend upon the patient, the inflammatory condition being treated, and the mode of administration. In general, the amounts administered to adult humans will be in the range of about 0.1 to 1000 μg. When CIF is administered locally, amounts in the lower portion of this range will normally be used, typically 0.1 to 10 μg. Correspondingly, systemic administration will typically involve amounts in the 10-1000 μg range.

CIF may be particularly effective in the treatment of inflammation involving the respiratory system. In this application, the CIFs may be administered by inhalation with a suitable aerosol. In this form, these factors would be useful for the treatment of diffuse interstitial diseases of the lung such as asbestosis, silicosis, or coal-miner's pneumoconiosis; the treatment of immunological diseases that involve the respiratory tract such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus erythematosus, or Goodpasture's syndrome; and the treatment of granulomatous inflammation of the lungs and pulmonary tract such as Wegener's granulomatosus and eosinophilic granulomatosus.

These anti-inflammatory peptides may be combined with carriers in the form of a salve, ointment, or other topical formulation and thereby by useful in the control of dermal inflammation by topical application. Such formulations would be particularly useful in the local treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, contact dermatitis, dermal ulcers, and acute or chronic eczematous dermatitis.

CIF may be either used alone or combined with a slow release carrier and injected into or around joints, bone, or muscle for the control of inflammation associated with various diseases. Some examples include myositis (viral, bacterial, parasitic, fungal or auto-immune processes); myasthenia gravis; osteomyelitis; osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Since the CIF molecules have been shown to be stable at low pH and resistent to enzyme digestion, these factors may be delivered systemically by ingestion. These properties make these factors particularly useful for controlling inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. This would be particularly useful for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers, granulomatous gastritis, esophagitis (numerous causes); enteristis (numerous causes); and colitis (numerous causes).

3. Immunohistochemical Localization of CIF-A (TGF-β) Materials and Methods A. Synthetic Polypeptide Synthesis.

A synthetic polypeptide, referred to as Al/30, was constructed to be identical to the N-terminal amino acid sequence (residues 1-30) of CIF-A and TGF-β. The peptide Al/30 was synthesized by a solid-phase method. The peptide was assembled on p-methylbenzhydrylamine resin, cleaved from the resin, deprotected via a 2-step hydrogen fluoride procedure, and purified by reverse-phase liquid chromatography on octadecylsilica, peptide Al/30 was determined to be homogeneous by RP-HPLC and thin layer chromatography and the amino acid sequence was verified by gas-phase sequence analysis.

B. Radioiodination

Purified CIF-A and CIF-B were radioiodinated with Na¹²⁵ I (Amersham, Chicago, Ill.) using a lactoperoxidase method. The specific activity was 0.8 to 1.0×10⁷ cpm/μg protein.

C. Immunization.

A New Zealand white rabbit was immunized with peptide Al/30 at multiple intramuscular sites biweekly for 6-10 weeks using 250 to 500 μg of peptide Al/30 per injection. The primary immunization was in Freund's complete adjuvant and the subsequent boosts were in Freund's incomplete adjuvant. Ten days following the final boost, the rabbit was bled by cardiac puncture. The blood was clotted at 22° C. for 4 hr and overnight at 4° C., and the serum was collected and stored at -70° C.

D. Antibody Purification

Serum IgG was purified using Sepharose Protein-A. Briefly, serum was diluted with an equal volume of 0.01 M Tris (pH 7.2) containing 0.15 M NaCl. Antibodies were precipitated with an equal volume of saturated ammonium sulfate adjusted to pH 8.0 (4° C.) and collected by centrifugation at 100,000×g (30 min). The protein pellet was resuspended in a minimal volume of pH 7.2 PBS and dialyzed against PBS. The retentate was clarified by centrifugation and the supernatant applied to a 10 ml column of Sepharose Protein-A. Bound IgG was eluted with 0.1 M glycine-HCl (pH 2.0). The antibodies were immediately neutralized (4.0 M Tris), dialyzed against PBS, and lyophilized.

E. Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).

Antiserum was evaluated for reactivity with peptide Al/30, CIF-A, or the low molecular weight bone extract by an ELISA. Peptide Al/30 was solubilized in PBS, while purified CIF-A or the partially purified bone extracts were solubilized in 0.01 N HCl. Antigens were diluted in 0.01 M carbonate buffer (pH 9.6) and 400 ng of protein in 100 μl volume were added to the wells of a microtiter plate, peptides Al/30 and CIF-A were air dried onto the wells overnight. Plates containing the partially purified extract were sealed and stored overnight at 4° C. Prior to use, nonspecific protein binding to the ELISA plate was blocked by incubating with PBS containing 1% (w/v) BSA for 1 hr. Antiserum was serially twofold diluted and 100 μl were added to each well for 1 hr. The plates were washed with PBS containing 0.05% (v/v) Tween-20 and 1% (w/v) BSA, and peroxidase-conjugated goat F(ab')₂ anti-rabbit IgG was added for 2 hr. The plates were washed 5-8 times and the peroxidase substrate was added. The substrate consisted of 2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzthiazoline) sulfonic acid (ABTS, 0.03% w/v) and 0.03% (v/v) H₂ O₂ in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.0), color was allowed to develop for 30 min and the optical density determined at 414 nm.

F. Antibody Competition ELISA.

An antibody competition ELISA was used to determine if antibodies detected by the ELISA were antigen specific. Various concentrations (1 to 100 ng) of soluble competing antigen peptide (Al/30) were added to the wells to compete the binding of antibody to plastic adsorbed synthetic polypeptide: for these studies the antiserum was diluted 1:5000 and the antibodies were washed away and the bound antibodies detected by the ELISA.

G. Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate--Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

Purified and partially purified proteins were separated by SDS-PAGE. The stacking gels were 4% and the separating gels were 15% polyacrylamide. The gels were either silver stained or electrophoretically transferred to nitrocellulose. In some instances, the gels were "spiked" with ¹²⁵ I-labeled CIF-A as an internal standard to identify CIF-A in the gel or the protein to blot.

H. Two-Dimensional Acetic Acid-Urea PAGE.

Partially purified low molecular weight bone extracts were evaluated by two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Proteins (20 to 40 μg) were separated (by mass and charge) in the first dimension in 15% polyacrylamide containing 2.5 M urea and acetic acid in glass tubes (2×4×125 mm) for 5-6 hr at 160 V (constant voltage), and the second dimension in a 15% SDS-polyacrylamide slab gel. The gels were either silver stained or the proteins were transferred to nitrocellulose (below). In some instances, the gels were "spiked" with ¹²⁵ I-labeled CIF-A and CIF-B and subsequently autoradiographed to identify the factors on the silver stained gel.

I. Immunoblotting.

Samples were first electrophoretically separated in one or two dimensions. After separation, the proteins were transferred to nitrocellulose using a trans blot apparatus filled with 25 mM Tris (pH 8.3) and 192 mM glycine (pH 8.3) containing 20% (v/v) methanol. The proteins were transferred for 18 hr at 170 mA (constant current). Following transfer, nonspecific protein binding was blocked with PBS buffer containing 0.05% (v/v) Tween-20 and 1% (w/v) BSA for 1-2 hr. The protein blots were then incubated for 2 hr in a 1:100 dilutions of rabbit anti-Al/30 serum. The blot was washed for 30 min with the same buffer and then incubated for 1 hr with 200,000 cpm/ml [¹²⁵ I] Protein-A. The immunoblots were washed, air dried, and autoradiographed with Kodak XAR-5 film at -80° C. for 1 to 18 hr.

J. Immunohistochemical Staining.

The cell association and distribution of CIF-A was determined by immunohistochemical staining methods. Fetal bovine tissues were collected from a single animal at 6 months gestation. The tissues were fixed in 10% neutral formalin. Hard tissues were demineralized in 10% formic acid. The tissues were dehydrated and paraffin embedded with a Fisher Histomatic Tissue Processor model 166A (15 hr cycle). The sections were deparaffinized with xylene and endogenous peroxidase blocked with 0.1% hydrogen peroxide in 0.01 M Tris containing 0.15 M NaCl (15 min). The sections were then treated with 1 mg/ml testicular hyaluronidase in 0.1 M sodium acetate (pH 5.5) in saline (30 min at 37° C.). Nonspecific protein binding was blocked with 0.5% (w/v) BSA in Tris-saline (15 min). The sections were incubated with optimally diluted (1:50) rabbit (IgG) anti-Al/30 or nonimmune rabbit IgG for 1 hr, washed with Tris-saline, and incubated for 1 hr with peroxidase conjugated goat F(ab')₂ anti-rabbit IgG. The slides were treated with diaminobenzidine substrate buffer. The substrate buffer consisted of 0.5 mg/ml diaminobenzidine in 0.05 M Tris (pH) saline containing 0.1% hydrogen peroxide. The sections were counterstained with Mayer's hematoxylin.

Results A. Antibody Reactivity

The antiserum had a titer of 1:10,000 on Al/30 and CIF-A, and a titer of 1:1,000 on a partially purified CIF A containing bone extract. The antibodies also reacted with TGF-β from platelets, as expected, since the N-terminal sequence is identical.

The competitive ELISA method was used to determine if the antibodies detected by the ELISA were antigen specific antibodies. In this experiment, the binding of an optimal dilution of antiserum (1:5,000) to 400 ng of peptide Al/30 bound to plastic was competed with variable amounts (1 to 100 ng) of soluble synthetic polypeptide. Antibody binding was competed in a linear dose response type fashion and 100 ng of the soluble competitor competed binding by more than 80%. The linear titrations characteristics of the antibodies and linear and near complete competitions of binding suggest that the antibodies were antigen specific. The antibody specificity was also confirmed by immunoblotting methods in which the antibodies were immunoreactive with nonreduced CIF-A and with β-mecaptoethanol-reduced CIF-A, as well as peptide Al/30. Having determined that the antibodies to peptide Al/30 were immunoreactive with CIF A, they were used to determine if other molecular weight species of CIF-A were contained in crude bone extracts. High and low molecular weight bone extracts were prepared and the constituent proteins separated by gel electrophoresis. A silver stained gel and a duplicate immunoblot were prepared. The tests showed that antibodies to peptide Al/30 detected only a protein of the same molecular weight as CIF-A in both the high and low molecular weight bone extracts.

B. Cell Association and Tissue Distribution.

Osteocytes within the cancellous bone of the femur were specifically labeled by staining. In addition, there was intense staining of articular chondrocytes. Particularly those cells in close association with the cartilage canals. Chondrocytes within the epiphyseal plate were not labeled by the antibodies.

Kidney tissue and platelets were examined. There was specific staining of the epithelial cells lining the calyces, while surrounding stromal and parenchymal cells were not labeled by the anti-Al/30 antibodies. Bone marrow was also examined, and the platelet-producing megakaryocytes were specifically labeled by the antibodies. Some mononuclear bone marrow cells were also stained by the antibodies.

Staining was also carried out to determine if CIF-A might also be associated with centers of hematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis. There was intense cytoplasmic staining of clusters of hematopoietic stem cells in the fetal liver, while hepatocytes and stromal cells were not labeled. Hematopoietic stem cells in the bone marrow were specifically stained with the antibodies. The thymus was examined and specific staining of Hassall's corpuscle and some of the medullary thymocytes was observed. There was no specific staining of the less differentiated cortical thymocytes.

Other tissues were examined, including the thyroid, adrenal, and the submaxillary salivary gland, as well as the aorta. CIF-A was not detected in any of these tissue by the staining technique.

The localization of CIF-A/TGF-β in centers of hematopoiesis (bone marrow and liver) and lymphopoiesis (thymus) suggest that the molecule may regulate red blood cell and/or lymphocyte differentiation in vivo. Accordingly, CIF may find use in therapy for indications associated with dysfunction or malfunction of hematopoiesis and/or lymphopoiesis such as congenital thymic aplasia, severe combined immunodeficiency, hereditary hemolytic anemia, and acquired hemolytic anemia.

4. Activity of CIF on Lymphocytes Materials and Methods A. Purification of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes.

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from heparinized blood of healthy adult human donors in Ficoll-Hypaque density gradients. The red blood cell-free buffy coat was collected from the aqueous ficoll interface. The monocytes were removed by incubating at 37° C. for 1 hr on tissue culture plastic in RPMI 1640 medium containing 10% fetal calf serum (FCS). The T lymphocytes were isolated from the nonadherent cells by rosetting with 0.25% sheep red blood cells (E-rosettes) for 2 hr at 37° C. The E-rosetted T lymphocytes were separated from the nonrosetted B lymphocytes by centrifugation through Ficoll Hypaque for 30 to 40 min at 500×g. The pellet was >95% E-rosetted cells. The sheep red blood cells were lysed with 0.83% ammonium chloride.

The nonrosetted B lymphocytes were collected from the ficoll-aqueous interface.

B. T Cell Mitogen Assay.

T lymphocyte proliferation was evaluated using a mitogen microassay. The assay consisted of plating 0.2×10⁵ T cells into 96-well microassay plates. The cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with L-glutamine, penicillin-streptomycin, and 10% FCS. The cultures were mitogen stimulated with Concanavalin-A (6.2 to 24 μg/ml). CIF-A or CIF-B was added to the microcultures between 0.01 to 40 ng/ml. The final culture volumes were adjusted to 250 μl, and the mixture was incubated for 5 days at 37° C. in a humidified incubator in a 5% C)₂ atmosphere. The cultures were pulsed with 1.0 μCi of ³ H-thymidine (specific activity 25 Ci/mmole) 18 hr prior to harvesting with an automated cell harvester. Inhibition of ³ H-thymidine incorporation by various concentrations of CIF-A or CIF-B was determined from triplicate cultures by the following formula: ##EQU1##

C. B Cell Activation Assay

A lymphocyte culture was made by mixing 10⁵ T lymphocytes with 2.5×10⁵ fresh autologous B lymphocytes. The cells were cultured at 37° C. in 5% CO₂ in 1 ml RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with L-glutamine. Penicillin-streptomycin, and 10% FCS. The cultures were set up in 12×75 mm culture tubes. Pokeweed mitogen was added to cultures at a 1/100 dilution. To these cultures various concentrations (1.9×10⁻¹² M, 1.9×10⁻¹⁰ M, or 1.5×10⁻⁹ M) of either CIF-A or CIF-B were added to the cultures. The cells were cultured for 7 days.

At the end of the culture period, the cell-free culture supernatants were assayed for IgM or IgG by a sandwich ELISA method. Flat-bottom polyvinyl chloride microtiter plates were incubated, overnight at 4° C. with approximately 120 to 500 μg of affinity-purified goat anti-human IgM or IgG in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). The plates were washed with PBS containing 0.05% Tween-20 (PT buffer) in order to remove unbound antibody. The culture supernatants were diluted either 1/10 or 1/100 in PBS containing 0.05% Tween-20 and 0.5% bovine serum albumen (PTB buffer) To generate a standard curve, various concentrations (2 to 10 ng) of purified human IgG or IgM were added to the appropriate wells. After 2 hr at room temperature, the plates were washed with PT buffer. One hundreds microliters of a 1/5,000 dilution of peroxidase-conjugated goat anti human IgG or anti-human IgM were added to the wells. After 2hr at room temperature, the plates were with PT buffer, and 100 μl of freshly prepared substrate was added. The substrate consisted of ABTS, 0.03% (w/v), and 0.03% (v/v) hydrogen peroxide in 0.1 M citrate buffer (pH 4.0). Color was allowed to develop for 30 min and the optical density was determined at 414 nm. The concentration of IgG or IgM was calculated from a standard curve run simultaneously with the assays. Inhibition of IgG or IgM production by the B cells was calculated by comparing the CIF-A- or CIF-B-treated cultures to control cultures which were not treated with CIF. The following formula was used: ##EQU2##

Results

The results of the T cell proliferation assays are plotted in FIG. 4. As seen in this figure, both CIF-A and CIF-B were found to have comparable activities upon T lymphocyte proliferation. ³ H-thymidine incorporation was inhibited by 78% to 80% by approximately 38×10⁻¹² M CIF-A or CIF-B. The half-maximal activity for CIF-A was less than 1×10⁻¹² M. The half-maximal activity for CIF-B was estimated to be approximately 1.9×10⁻¹² M. These results show clearly that both CIFs are potent inhibitors of human T lymphocyte proliferation.

The results of the B cell activation assay are summarized in Table 2 below. The data presented represent the mean ± SD for the three experiments.

                                      TABLE 2     __________________________________________________________________________              CIF     IgM    Inhibition                                  IgG   Inhibition     Culture  Concentration                      (ng/ml)                             (%)  (ng/ml)                                        (%)     __________________________________________________________________________     T cells + B cells              0       364.9 ± 202.5                             --   66.0 ± 12.2                                        --              CIF-A     T cells + B cells              1.9 × 10.sup.-12M                      244.5 ± 302.8                              33.0                                  56.4 ± 41.2                                        16.0     T cells + B cells              1.9 × 10.sup.-10M                      0 ± 0                             100.0                                  29.6 ± 16.6                                        56.0     T cells + B cells              1.5 × 10.sup.-9M                      0 ± 0                             100.0                                  31.1 ± 15.6                                        54.0              CIF-B     T cells + B cells              1.9 × 10.sup.-12M                      292.6 ± 368.5                              20.0                                  66.2 ± 10.4                                         1.0     T cells + B cells              1.9 × 10.sup.-12M                      0 ± 0                             100.0                                  31.0 ± 12.2                                        54.0     T cells + B cells              1.5 × 10.sup.-9M                      0 ± 0                             100.0                                  7.3 ± 6.0                                        89.0     __________________________________________________________________________

As shown in Table 2, CIF-A at 1.9×10⁻¹² M reduced the amount of IgM produced by 33% and IgG by 16% when compared with the nontreated control culture. There was complete inhibition of IgM production in cultures containing either 1.9×10⁻¹⁰ M or 1.5×10⁻⁹ M concentrations of CIF-A. Similar concentrations of CIF-A resulted in a 54% to 56% inhibition of IgG production.

CIF-B was found to be comparable to CIF-A. As seen in Table 2, cultures containing 1.9×10⁻¹⁰ M concentrations of CIF-B contained no IgM and only 54% of the IgG when compared with the untreated control cultures. Cultures treated with 1.5×10⁻⁹ M concentrations of CIF-B contained no measurable IgM and very little (89% inhibition) or no IgG. These results show that both CIF-A and CIF-B are extremely potent inhibitors of antibody production by plasma cells.

These in vitro T cell proliferation and B cell activation experiments suggest that lymphocyte regulation may be one mechanism involved in the in vivo lymphohistiocytic anti-inflammatory activity of CIF observed previously. The results of these tests confirm the work reported by Kehrl. J.H., et al. Clinical Research (1985) 33(2).610A.

5. In Vivo Tests Using CIF in Rodent Arthritis Model

Experimental collagen-induced arthritis (ECIA) can be induced in rats by intradermal injection of native type II collagen (bovine or rat) emulsified in incomplete Freund's adjuvant. The inbred Lewis rat strain, LEW (RT1¹), has been shown to develop peripheral polyarthritis within 14 to 30 days following immunization. Joint and ear cartilage develop a diffuse mononuclea cell infiltrate. Sensitized rats respond to intradermal skin test challenge and develop circulating antibodies to native type II collagen.

Twelve LEW rats (12-15 weeks old) are divided into three groups of four animals each. Groups I and II are sensitized to type II bovine collagen by intradermal injection of bovine type II in complete Freund's adjuvant at 2.5 ml/kg weight. Group III serves as a nonsensitized control.

Ankle measurements and subjective grading (0 to +4) of arthritis based on the degree of inflammation and swelling of digits, feet and ankles are made prior to sensitization and regularly throughout the test. Rats in Group I exhibiting a significant inflammatory response are treated by injection of CIF (500 ng in 0.05 ml sterile PBS) directly into the joint on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 following the observed response. Rats of Group II showing such a response are treated similarly by injection of PBS without CIF.

Sera are collected from the rats pre-treatment and post-treatment and assayed for antibodies to type II collagen using an ELISA. The rats are given an intradermal skin test challenge at 3 days prior to sacrifice using 50 μg of type II collagen in the abdomen. Erythema and induration are measured at 24, 48, and 72 hr post challenge. At 72 hr the challenge site is biopsied and examined histologically.

Rats are sacrificed 5 to 7 days after the final injection, exsanguinated, and their paws fixed in 10% neutral formalin for histologic examination.

The results of these tests show that treatment with CIF reduces inflammation significantly compared to the nontreated control group. The CIF-treated groups exhibit a reduced response to a skin test challenge of type II collagen when compared with the nontreated control group. Further, the treated group has significantly reduced antibody titers to type II collagen. These results suggest that administration of CIF into the affected joints not only controls the inflammation locally, but acts as a systemic immuno-suppressive agent for the treatment of arthritis.

Modifications of the modes for carrying out the invention that are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the fields of protein chemistry, pharmaceutical formulation, reconstructive surgery, and related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims. 

We claim:
 1. A method of treating a patient for the alleviation of a symptom or manifestation of a disease resulting in inflammation comprising administering an anti-inflammatorily effective amount of a protein having the amino acid sequence of cartilage inducing factor A or B or TGF-β or a functional equivalent thereof to the patient wherein any functional equivalent is a substantially homologous protein with the cartilage inducing factor protein A or B or TGF-β and wherein differences in sequences between the cartilage inducing factor protein A or B or TGF-β and any substantially homologous protein does not affect the anti-inflammatory activity of the cartilage inducing factor adversely.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is a homodimer whose chains do not have(a) the following partial N-terminal amino acid sequence: Ala-Leu-Asp-Thr-Asn-Tyr-Cys-Phe-Ser-Ser-Thr-Glu-Lys-Asn-Cys-Cys-Val-Arg-Gln-Leu-Tyr-Ile-Asp-Phe-Arg-Lys-Asp-Leu-Gly-Trp, or (b) The following partial N-terminal amino acid sequence: Ala-Leu-Asp-Ala-Ala-Tyr-Cys-Phe-Arg-Asn-Val-Gln-Asp-Asn-Cys-Cys-Leu-Arg-Pro-Leu-Tyr-Ile-Asp-Phe-Lys-Arg-Asp-Leu-Gly-Trp-.
 3. The method of claim 1 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is substantially free of activating agent or cofactor.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the inflammation is acute.
 5. The method of claim 1 wherein the inflammation is chronic.
 6. The method of claim 1 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is administered systemically.
 7. The method of claim 1 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is administered locally.
 8. The method of claim 1 wherein the inflammation involves the respiratory system of the patient.
 9. The method of claim 1 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is administered to the patient by inhalation.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein the inflammation is dermal inflammation.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is administered topically.
 12. The method of claim 1 wherein the inflammation is associated with an autoimmune disease.
 13. The method of claim 1 wherein the inflammation is in the gastrointestinal tract.
 14. The method of claim 1 wherein said inflammation is due to arthritis.
 15. A method for suppressing the immune system of a mammal, which method comprises administering to a mammal suffering from rheumatoid arthritis an immunosuppressive amount of a cartilage inducing factor A or B or TGF-β or functional equivalent wherein any functional equivalent is a substantially homologous protein to cartilage inducing factor A or B or TGF-β and wherein any differences between cartilage inducing factor A or B or TFG-β and a functional equivalent does not affect the anti-inflammatory activity of the functional equivalent adversely.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is a homodimer whose chains each have(a) the following partial N-terminal amino acid sequence: Ala-Leu-Asp-Thr-Asn-Tyr-Cys-Phe-Ser-Ser-Thr-Glu-Lys-Asn-Cys-Cys-Val-Arg-Gln-Leu-Tyr-Ile-Asp-Phe-Arg-Lys-Asp-Leu-Gly-Trp-, or (b) the following partial N-terminal amino acid sequence: Ala-Leu-Asp-Ala-Ala-Tyr-Cys-Phe-Arg-Asn-Val-Gln-Asp-Asn-Cys-Cys-Leu-Arg-Pro-Leu-Tyr-Ile-Asp-Phe-Lys-Arg-Asp-Leu-Gly-Trp.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is a homodimer whose chains each have the amino acid sequence shown in FIG.
 1. 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is substantially free of activating agent or cofactor.
 19. A method of treating a patient for the alleviation of an inflammatory symptom or inflammatory manifestation of a disease selected from the group consisting of psoriasis, contact dermatitis, dermal ulcers, or eczema, comprising:topically administering an effective amount of a protein having the amino acid sequence of cartilage inducing factor A or B or TGF-β or a functional equivalent thereof to a patient having psoriasis, contact dermatitis, dermal ulcers or eczema wherein any functional equivalent is a protein having a substantially homologous amino acid sequence with the cartilage inducing factor protein A or B or TGF-β and wherein any difference between the amino acid sequence of cartilage inducing factor A or B or TGF-β and the functional equivalent does not affect the anti-inflammatory activity adversely.
 20. The method of claim 35 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is a homodimer whose chains have(a) the following partial N-terminal amino acid sequence: Ala-Leu-Asp-Thr-Asn-Tyr-Cys-Phe-Ser-Ser-Thr-Glu-Lys-Asn-Cys-Cys-Val-Arg-Gln-Leu-Tyr-Ile-Asp-Phe-Arg-Lys-Asp-Leu-Gly-Trp-, or (b) the following partial N-terminal amino acid sequence: Ala-Leu-Asp-Ala-Ala-Tyr-Cys-Phe-Arg-Asn-Val-Gln-Asp-Asn-Cys-Cys-Leu-Arg-Pro-Leu-Tyr-Ile-Asp-Phe-Lys-Arg-Asp-Leu-Gly-Trp.
 21. The method of claim 19 wherein the cartilage inducing factor or functional equivalent is administered topically. 